Luke 5:18-21 – And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”
This twisted man’s life was depending on others to carry him. His body was not only twisted, but obviously, by Jesus’ response, he had sin issues. Nevertheless, in his twisted state, God called him “friend.” Can you imagine the type of fireworks of emotion that shot off in this man’s soul?!!! He was probably hoping he would get healed, but he sure didn’t expect to be called “God’s friend.” This type of hope jump started the power within, in order for him to stand up by himself and walk out of what had caused him years of suffering.
As Jesus, one of the criterions of walking in true power, is to see those that are twisted in life through the mind of love. This man had been predestined to be a “friend” of God. This is such a prophetic message that Jesus is performing. He is showing us that “man,” though has been twisted by the enemy, has been chosen to be God’s friend from the beginning of the Garden of Eden.
If you are twisted and in sin, just know, in God’s mind, you are still a chosen companion of Jesus Christ. You can get up and walk out of whatever has been causing you pain or paralysis, and walk in the favor of God right now. God is your friend!